Opposition leaders in Tanzania
are criticizing the government’s response to the coronavirus, after President
John Magufuli said he would never close down places of worship.

While Tanzania has been taking the same
measures against coronavirus as other African nations — closing schools,
quarantining foreign arrivals, and banning public events — Magufuli’s
government refuses to close down churches.

At a Sunday service this week, Magufuli
said the virus is “satanic” and therefore cannot thrive in churches.

The chairman of the opposition Civic
United Front party, Ibrahim Lipumba, told VOA that government statements on the
virus should focus on prevention. If people continue gathering in crowds, he
said, there will be danger.

Abdul Nondo, youth representative for
the Alliance for Change and Transparency party, said via a messaging app that
Magafuli’s statement goes against World Health Organization guidance. Italy was
hit hard by the disease because they delayed taking strong measures, he
added.

Supporters say the Tanzanian
president’s vow to keep churches open is designed to comfort people and prevent
fear over the coronavirus. But it also risks discouraging the public from
taking preventive measures seriously.

Dar es Salaam resident Joel Majula said
he is less afraid of the virus after Magufuli’s comments on churches. When the
faithful to go to mosques and churches, they wash their hands, which they
believe is the best way to prevent the disease, he said, adding that they don’t
believe people gathering together could bring negative effects.

Global concerns

Tanzania is not the only country
grappling with concerns over religious gatherings. In many countries, churches,
mosques and other institutions are holding services online, or canceling them
altogether.

But some religious leaders insist on
going ahead as normal. In the U.S. state of Louisiana, one church defied the
state governor’s advice and held a service last Sunday that attracted more than
1,800 people.

Health experts have warned that social
distancing is essential to limiting the spread of the coronavirus, which has
killed more than 25,000 people worldwide and infected more than a
half-million.